Everyday, authors are creating beautiful works of art for all of us to enjoy while snuggling up with a warm cup of coffee or sitting on the garden swing in the summer breeze. But given our short amount of time to indulge in these amazing stories, which books are worth finding inspiration in?

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Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Waterfall - Lisa T.Bergren

Title - Waterfall

Author - Lisa
T.Bergren

Text Type - Historical
Fantasy

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something is more important than fear.”

Greek mythology seems to be a favored prerequisite for a
fantastic historical novel in young adult literature. For a great reason too,
for it fascinates me to no end. I simply indulge in reading and discovering
different interpretations of these myths because every tale leads me down a
different but equally profound thought path. But never did I think that Italian
history could create such a similar impact, something that Waterfall has so
convincingly done. Bergren shows great skill in her light references to the old
Italian politics, infusing it with the much anticipated romance ideas and love
themes. Her modern day protagonist shows a fair amount of similarities to what
we would think in a comparable circumstance, providing a much better way for us
to accept Bergren's insight that she communicates. I found it easy to share her
perspective through the first person narration of a strong, courageous female that
she has created. Still, the themes of not only romantic love but passionate
family love are not overlooked as the story progresses. Readers such as myself
who constantly search for books with thought prompting ideas that stay in your
mind well after the novel has ended would be truly satisfied with this rare
treat.

I must say, I was weary to head into a new culture path.
More accurately, I was worried about taking on a new load of history about a
country that I have never seen as a focus in young adult novels. Greek
mythology has become somewhat familiar to me through the vast amounts of
stories I have read about them. There isn't much I know about Italian history,
but the parts that Bergren has depicted certainly did enough to tempt me into
finding out more. In a way, it is familiar in the sense that these fourteenth
century elements are not uncommonly known about. Knights in shining armour, a
structured class system in a grand castle - these things have big associations
and are greatly enjoyed in novels targeting a young adult audience. I adored
the friendship between the royal lords and ladies and the less privileged
servants which despite having a hierarchy that reflects the nature of that old
society, it presents a compassion that the wealthier characters have. There is
that clear, strong feel of acceptance throughout the book from this master-servant
relationship to the understanding of the old and new lifestyles. I was thrilled
to see that connection.

What most readers look for is an attribute that defines the
protagonist, one that renders them a desired role model. Fierce determination
is what drives the character of Gabriella Betarrini to be so admired by the
other characters or us readers. There are many instances where Gabi has her
fears and where bravery is so difficult to achieve, but her love for her sister
Evangelia overrides her flaws. And that ability to suppress any weaknesses in
order to protect her loved ones is what really compelled me to like her,
showing a strong young woman in place of a normal girl. In fact, both the
Betarrini sisters who have gone back in time have ironically grown faster,
adapted to their new surroundings and found the strength to fight for their
survival. It was also interesting to be introduced to the men of those medieval
times, so gentlemanly and fearless even though they are young. There is no
shortage of alluring characters that will demand and capture full attention.

Though this book is breath of fresh air, it doesn't hold
back the gripping situations and heartbreaking emotions. The simple concepts
were manipulated so well by Bergren to produce a novel that I couldn't put down
once I started. The prominent power craze of that society has influenced the
present, a very important message that resonates around the story. Bergren
almost proposes a warning to us that our actions now could largely impact upon
the future. Because of that thought process that it provokes, it is highly
unlikely to forgot about this novel. The portrayal of the characters mixed with
the era simply flowed and delivered a couple of hours of pure enjoyment. Waterfall
is simply a taste of a promising Italian inspired series because once it has
captured your heart, it is almost impossible to resist.